Study Tourism Abroad 2026
Plan your tourism degree abroad — get expert guidance on admissions and visas
What you'll learn in this article
According to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, international tourism generated US $2.0 trillion in export revenues from travel receipts and passenger transport in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase in real terms and placing the industry about 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This growth represents a global demand for trained tourism professionals across different countries. Students who study tourism abroad gain direct exposure to diverse markets, work alongside industry professionals, and develop essential cross-cultural competencies through hands-on training.
Hospitality and Tourism courses abroad offer structured pathways to global careers in tourism management. These programmes integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience through mandatory internships and industry partnerships. Students access real-world learning environments in major tourism destinations while building professional networks across various countries. Here, we have outlined everything you need to know before you choose to study tourism abroad.
Plan your tourism degree abroad — get expert guidance on admissions and visas
Types of Degrees to Study Tourism Abroad
Students can choose from several academic pathways based on career goals and academic background. Those pursuing a bachelor's in tourism abroad benefit from comprehensive foundation programmes, while specialised MSc in international tourism management degrees prepare graduates for senior leadership roles. Listed here are some of the different types of degrees to study tourism abroad.
| Degree Level | Duration | Career Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 3–4 years | Tourism Officer, Tourism Manager, Travel Consultant, Hotel Manager, Guest Relations Executive, Event Coordinator, Experience Designer |
| Master’s | 1–2 years | Sustainability Manager, Eco-tourism Strategist, Tourism Director, Global Travel Policy Advisor, Cultural Tourism Planner, Museum Tourism Specialist |
| Diploma/Certificate | 6 months–2 years | Travel Agent, Tour Operator, Destination Marketer, Campaign Coordinator, Tour Guide, Local Experience Manager |
Why Choose Tourism Courses Abroad?
The benefits of choosing to study tourism abroad include:
- Programmes include mandatory internships and direct partnerships with major tourism companies
- Students develop cross-cultural communication skills essential for international tourism careers
- Opportunity to work in tourism-heavy destinations while completing studies
- Access to specialised tracks like sustainable tourism courses abroad
Best Countries to Study Tourism Management
Different destinations offer specialised strengths in tourism education, each providing unique advantages for international students. The best countries to study tourism management combine academic excellence with practical industry exposure and favourable post-study work opportunities.
| Country | Specialisation Area | Post-Study Work Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Hospitality & Luxury Tourism | Up to 6 months job-search visa (non-EU graduates only) |
| Australia | Industry-Integrated Tourism Programmes | - 2 years for Bachelor's/Master coursework - 3 years for Research Master's - 4 years for PhD (Subclass 485) |
| Canada | Tourism Diplomas & Degrees | Up to 3 years PGWP for Master’s ≥ 8 months or programmes ≥ 2 years |
| New Zealand | Sustainable & Eco-Tourism | Up to 3 years post-study visa for Level 7+ qualifications |
| France | Event & Cultural Tourism | 12 months APS visa, extendable to 24 months under certain conditions |
| Spain | Festival & Event-Based Tourism | 12 months job-search visa (non-renewable; must switch to a work visa if employed) |
Top Universities to Study Tourism Abroad
Tourism education is adapting to address current international challenges, including environmental responsibility, changing traveller expectations, and regulatory shifts across borders. The institutions listed below have been identified under the QS 2025 Hospitality & Leisure Management subject ranking for their academic output, graduate outcomes, and strong employer links.
| University Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject: Hospitality and Leisure Management 2025 |
|---|---|
| EHL Hospitality Business School, Lausanne, Switzerland | #1 |
| Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education, Crans-Montana, Switzerland | #2 |
| SHMS - Swiss Hotel Management School, Caux, Switzerland | #3 |
| Vatel, Hotel & Tourism Business School, Lyon, France | #12 |
| Macao University of Tourism, Macau SAR | #13 |
| Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Sörenberg, Switzerland | #19 |
| National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT), Taiwan | #45 |
| SAIT Polytechnic - School of Hospitality and Tourism, Calgary, Canada | #51-100 |
| CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, Barcelona, Spain | #51-100 |
| State Tourism and Hotel Management School (SSAT), Bellinzona, Switzerland | #101-150 |
Note: The universities and institutes listed above specifically offer tourism courses abroad while other top ranking universities offer hospitality courses that can also lead to a career in tourism; however, it should be noted that aspirants can pursue a career in tourism even with a hospitality and hotel management degree.
Admission Requirements to Study Tourism Abroad
The admission requirements to study tourism abroad will vary between undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with specific documentation needed for academic as well as visa qualifications.
| Study Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Required Documents | 10+2 completion certificate, academic transcripts, valid passport | Bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), two Letters of Recommendation (LORs), updated resume/CV |
| English Proficiency | IELTS Academic - 6.0–6.5 bands TOEFL iBT - 79–90 | IELTS Academic - 6.5–7.0 bands TOEFL iBT - 90–100 |
| Additional Requirements | Minimum 60–70% aggregate in high school, proficiency in English and/or Math (varies by country) | Relevant academic background or work experience is preferred for some programmes |
Tips to Apply for Tourism Courses Abroad
- The Statement of Purpose should explain career goals, reasons for choosing tourism management, and specific interest in international study.
- Letters of Recommendation should come from academic teachers or employers who can assess educational potential and professional suitability.
Note: The specific requirements in different universities and countries vary with the programme levels. Hence, when applying to a university to study economics abroad, it is recommended that candidates go through the exact eligibility criteria for exam scores and other qualifications.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs to Study Tourism Abroad
Costs vary significantly between countries and the level of the programme. When budgeting for their education abroad, students are advised to consider the living expenses along with the tuition costs to study tourism abroad.
| Country | Annual UG Tuition Fees | Annual PG Tuition Fees | Annual Living Expenses (as per visa requirements) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | CHF 20,000 – 50,000 | CHF 19,000 - 40,000 | CHF 22,200 |
| New Zealand | NZ $30,000 – $45,000 | NZ $36,000 - $55,000 | NZ $20,000/year |
| France | €10,000 - €15,000 | €10,000 - €25,000 | €615 + 1 year of tuition fees |
| Spain | €7,000 - €26,000 | €5,000 – €35,000 | €600 per month |
| Australia | AU $32,000 – $71,000 | AU $35,000 - $55,000 | AU $29,710/year |
| Canada | CA $15,000 - $40,000 | CA$ 20,000 – 30,000 | CA $20,635 |
Scholarships to Study Tourism Abroad
Several scholarship opportunities are available for international students to help them study tourism abroad, ranging from government programmes to private industry funding. Scholarships for international students in tourism management courses abroad help reduce financial barriers to international education.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| EHL Academic Excellence Award, Switzerland | CHF 2,500–7,500 | Bachelor applicants; High GPA, leadership activities, and maintain a standing |
| Griffith International Scholarships, Australia | 50% tuition reduction (ongoing) | International UG/PG students; Meet GPA threshold (approx. 5.5/7.0), automatic upon admission |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships (USA) | provide J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel from home city to host institution in the U.S., coverage of tuition fees, living and related costs, and miscellaneous costs | Student holding 55% aggregate in bachelor's degree with 3 years’ work experience, displaying leadership and community service |
| GREAT Scholarships, UK | £10,000 to 1-year postgraduate study in UK, | Citizen of a GREAT target country; UG degree to enter PG degree in UK, work experience in related field. |
Note: While the scholarships listed here are just a few of the opportunities available to those planning to study tourism abroad, students can find themselves eligible for several scholarships offered by universities as well.
Career Options After Tourism Courses Abroad
Tourism graduates work across multiple industries with competitive salary packages. Career options after tourism courses abroad can be found in both private and public sectors, with strong demand for professionals with international experience. Switzerland, known for its high standards in hospitality training and management, remains a top choice for those aiming for careers in luxury hotels and tourism services. Listed below are some job roles you can get after tourism courses abroad.
| Job Role | Annual Salary (in CHF) |
|---|---|
| Tourism Marketing Manager | CHF 53,000 - 112,000 |
| Event Planner | CHF 50,000 - 113,000 |
| Travel Consultant | CHF 56,000 - 80,000 |
| Hotel Manager | CHF 90,000 - 138,000 |
| Tour Operations Manager | CHF 75,000 - 97,000 |
Source: Glassdoor; Jobs.ch; Payscale
International tourism education provides three major advantages: higher starting salaries, global industry networks, and specialised skills demanded by multinational employers. The combination of practical training, cross-cultural competencies, and industry connections positions graduates for leadership roles in the expanding global tourism sector. So, if you need help starting your journey in pursuing a course/career in tourism, connect with AECC counsellors now and get expert guidance on admissions, scholarships and visa processes.
Study Tourism Abroad FAQs
Among the best countries to study tourism abroad, Switzerland provides some of the strongest programmes in hospitality and hotel management. In 2024, its general employment rate stood at 64.2%, with tourism graduates often placed in high-paying jobs. Australia, Canada and New Zealand also offer tourism courses abroad that provide aspirants with strong industry links, multiple immigration routes and affordable education, too.
Basic qualifications to study tourism abroad include 12 years of schooling (10+2) with a minimum of 60-70% marks and English proficiency (IELTS 6.0-6.5) for UG courses. Postgraduate tourism courses require a bachelor's degree in any field with sufficient English scores (IELTS Academic 6.5-7.0), with some preferring candidates with valuable work experience in the field as well.
Graduates can take up roles such as Tourism Manager, Event Planner, Travel Consultant, Hotel Manager, and Tour Operations Manager after tourism courses abroad. Popular sectors like hospitality, airlines, cruise companies, government tourism boards, and eco-tourism ventures are always looking for skilled graduates. Many also move into destination marketing, travel tech, and cultural heritage management, depending on their specialisation and training focus.
Tourism management opens access to roles in hospitality, travel services, event coordination, and destination marketing. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects that the sector will support around 357 million jobs and contribute about US $10.9 trillion to global GDP in 2024 that continued growth in 2025 and is expected to grow further in 2026 and beyond. Gaining experience abroad enhances cultural insight and industry connections, positioning graduates for roles in global tourism organisations and destination management.
EHL Hospitality Business School (Switzerland) consistently ranks among the top universities to study tourism abroad. However, institutes such as Les Roches Global Hospitality (Switzerland), Griffith University and the University of Queensland (Australia), Vancouver Island University (Canada), SKEMA Business School (France) are renowned for instilling leadership and entrepreneurial skills, with access to strong industry links and a global outlook.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Bindu Mary Idicula
Test Prep, Courses & Application Expert | 20 Years in International Education
Bindu Mary Idicula has spent over 20 years in international education, writing on three areas that students navigate across every study abroad destination: standardised tests, course selection and application documents. She covers TOEFL, SAT, ACT, OET, GRE and GMAT, writes on standalone course guides across disciplines, and covers the application documents students need including Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, academic essays and CVs.
What connects these three areas is the same practical angle. She does not write about tests, courses or application documents in the abstract. She writes about what students need to know when they are actively deciding: which test is required for a specific course and destination, what a particular discipline looks like across different countries, and what makes an SOP or LOR work for a student with a specific academic background. That specificity comes from two decades of student consultations.
Her articles across the AECC platform have been read over 650,000 times. The breadth of topics she covers reflects the range of questions students bring to consultations, from which exam to take first to how to write a CV that works for an international university application. She holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's Tamil Nadu offices.
